Australia's Red Centre 2017

"Remote" PHN Members Only

Members of the following Primary Health Networks are able to register separately for the Alice Springs and Uluru conference components, rather that the full package:

Northern Territory

Country WA

Western Queensland

Country SA

Western NSW

ALICE SPINGS AND KINGS CANYON

1 August - 4 August 2016

Monday 1 August 2016

Arrive in Alice Spring

This afternoon begins with a visit to The Purple House, a remarkable renal dialysis unit funded by Pintupi Luritja people from the Western Desert. Local women artists painted collaborative works which were auctioned, raising over $1 million to set up the first centre in Kinore.

Meet staff of the Purple House GP clinic. Learn about the Wellbeing Social Enterprise where patients work together to collect plants to make up bush balms which they share with each other to help cope with the sadness they experience in being separated from their country and family.

This afternoon, join a fascinating tour at Earth Sanctuary, which is a model of sustainable technology and practices designed to minimise the impact of humans on the fragile environment of Central Australia.

Later, join Tom and Danny Falzon, local paramedics and founders of Earth Sanctuary, around a campfire with the remote and isolated East McDonnell ranges as a backdrop. Listen to their yarns, enjoy a bush dinner and have a good old Aussie sing-a-long.

Accommodation: Chifley Hotel, Alice Springs

Tuesday 2 August 2016

This morning the conference begins at the hotel.

This afternoon gain an insight into Alice’s European beginnings, with a visit to the old Telegraph Station, which used to relay messages between Darwin and Adelaide. Then call in at the School of the Air, the world’s first to use two-way radio broadcasts to help with the education of students in remote areas who were unable to attend face-to-face lessons. It now uses satellite technology and has 122 enrolments over an area of 1.3 million square kilometres.

Late this afternoon immerse yourself in the beauty and mystery of the Australian desert at Desert Park. Wander through the ancient red landscape. Discover the diversity of flora and fauna. Be inspired by the culture of the Arrernte people. Have a close encounter with dingoes and then enjoy sunset cocktails overlooking the spectacular East McDonnell Ranges.

Accommodation: Chifley Hotel, Alice Springs

Wednesday 3 August 2016

Morning conference – including presentation by one of the doctors from The Royal Flying Doctor Service.

This afternoon, travel by coach through the vast open spaces of the outback to arrive at the yawning chasm of Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park, one of the most spectacular sights in Central Australia.

Accommodation: Kings Canyon Resort

Thursday 4 August 2016

It will be worth an early start to do the Kings Canyon Rim walk to appreciate the spectacular views looking out and over the white and red sandstone cliffs of the canyon, or vertiginously down the sheer cliffs dropping 270 metres below you. Descend to the Garden of Eden, a lush pocket of ferns and prehistoric cycads around a tranquil pool. The next section of the trail winds through a swarm of giant beehive domes: weathered sandstone outcrops, which to the Luritja represent the men of the Kuniya Dreaming. For the less adventurous, we recommend a leisurely stroll along the rocky creek bed at the base of the canyon to a raised platform with views of the towering canyon rim.

Alice Springs and Kings Canyon Conference Concludes.

ULURU

5 August - 8 August 2016

Friday 5 August 2016

Meet group at Sails in the Desert Resort, Ayers Rock for afternoon visit to Mutijulu Health Centre.

This evening enjoy a really special experience – an exclusive outdoor dinner in the Field of Light, an extraordinary art installation by British artist Bruce Munro consisting of 250,000 stems of gently glowing lights, like flowers blooming in the desert after rainfall.

Accommodation: Sails in the Desert Resort, Ayers Rock

Saturday 6 August 2016

Head out to our special viewing area before dawn and enjoy the tranquillity of the stunning landscape. There can only be a feeling of awe as the sun rises over Uluru, and the terracotta-coloured rock is bathed in flaming red. Enjoy breakfast before you depart with a member of the local Anangu people on the Mala walk, through one of the most important habitation areas for Aboriginal people. Then continue to Kantju Gorge and finally we go to the Mutitjulu Walk where you will be able to admire the landscape, Aboriginal rock paintings and hear traditional stories relating to Uluru.

We will also visit the Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre.

Late this afternoon, visit the Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). The 36 domes of ancient rock formations soar hundreds of metres into the desert sky, surrounded by the Red Centre’s unique wildlife and spirit of the Anangu people’s Tjukurpa. Walk the trail through Walpa Gorge following the natural creek bed and hear how the landscape has evolved over millions of years and of its importance in Aboriginal spiritual life.

Accommodation: Sails in the Desert Resort, Ayers Rock

Sunday 7 August 2016

Morning Conference.

The afternoon is free for you to enjoy some of the many wonderful activities available through the resort such as scenic flights by fixed wing planes and helicopters, motorbike rides, camel riding and local walks.

Tonight enjoy a special farewell dinner.

Accommodation: Sails in the Desert Resort, Ayers Rock

Monday 8 August 2016

Transfer to the airport for departure flights from Uluru to return home or join post conference 4WD tour of the top end.

Unconventional Conventions - Medical Conferences

Medical Conferences and Dental Conferences for Australian doctors, dentists and practice managers in the health industry. Accredited lecture program and associated Continued Professional Development (CPD) points with RACGP, ACCRM and through the Dental Board of Australia (DBA).